Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a martial art that involves the use of a wide range of techniques including kicking and striking. It primarily teaches self-defense techniques, although it can also be used as a competitive sport.
Training
Students who study taekwondo will usually train at least twice a week, with most sessions lasting between one and two hours. This will result in a strong, healthy body that can fight off most injuries.
Mental Benefits
In addition to the physical benefits of taekwondo, it can also help you build a strong mind. Many students find that taekwondo is a great way to work on their fear of being attacked, allowing them to be more confident and prepared to defend themselves.
Focus and Techniques
The main focus of taekwondo is on kicks, but it also teaches some basic grappling and ground fighting skills. These are important because they can allow students to get down to their opponent's level and then move on from there, while still being able to strike them with their legs and fists.
Emotional Control
Another key part of taekwondo is that it encourages students to be calm, even when in a tense situation. This is especially useful for self-defense because if you become nervous or overwhelmed in a fight, you're not going to be able to respond properly.
Fighting and Scoring
In taekwondo matches, each fighter attempts to knock out their opponent or score points by landing blows to the torso or head. This is done over three rounds, with a rest of one minute between each round.
Referees and Judges
During a match, one referee and three judges oversee the contest. During each round, the referee calls out each hit and a judge awards a point when two or more of the three judges register a hit.
Rules and Scoring
If a competitor's hands are lowered when they land a punch or kick, they may be disqualified. However, if they use the knuckle part of their fist, a punch can be scored.
Legal Techniques
The kicks that count in taekwondo are those that are delivered with any part of the foot below the ankle bone. Blows to the head and torso are only awarded if they are delivered with the front of the index and middle finger knuckles of a tightly clenched fist.
Protective Gear
As a combat sport, taekwondo requires the use of protective gear to protect both athletes and spectators. This equipment includes a helmet that covers the face, padded vests, and elbow pads. This is essential because it will keep a fighter's head safe from the impacts of strikes.
20-Point Gap Mercy Rule
A 20-Point Gap Mercy Rule exists in taekwondo, meaning that during a fight, if either competitor has a 20-point lead, they are considered the winner. This gap can only be surpassed by an opponent who has the upper hand.
Fight to the Finish
There are also other rules in taekwondo, such as the "Fight to the Finish," which means that a contestant can only win if they can beat their opponent to the finish line, regardless of whether or not they score a knockout. This is an excellent rule that helps keep the competition fair and encourages each fighter to give their best performance.
